Why Is Billy Packer Considered A Better College Basketball Analyst

Why Is Billy Packer Considered A Better College Basketball Analyst Than Bill Raftery?

Every year around this time I ask myself the same question why is Billy Packer the lead analyst for CBSs coverage of March Madness? While Packer is working the game for the TV audience, Bill Raftery is calling the game for the much smaller radio audience with more passion, knowledge, and love for the game than Packer.

Raftery and Verne Lundquist are CBSs second pair to Packer and Jim Nantz, who have been number one for the past 15 years. Packer seems to be hated by more fans than he is loved, mostly for his intense ACC bias (particularly towards his Alma matter Wake Forest), his refusal to accept mid-major conferences as worthy competition for power conferences, and his inability to admit when he is wrong. Raftery, on the other hand, is revered for his enthusiastic and animated commentary that displays his love for the game.

Packer has repeatedly insulted others with his unwarranted criticism. In 1996 Packer described the Georgetown Hoyas star guard Allen Iverson as a “tough monkey”. He also questioned Larry Birds Indiana State team, Jameer Nelsons St. Josephs...